A man was on Wednesday jailed four months and had his €10,000 personal guarantee confiscated because he failed to abide by a court order to sign a bail book three times a week.

Omar Ismail Abdimalik, a 24-year old currently homeless Ethiopian, was re-arrested and taken to court on Wednesday afternoon charged with breaching bail conditions.

Prosecuting Inspector Matthew Spagnol explained how, in spite of having been ordered by the court to steer clear of the St Julian’s area, the accused took refuge in a derelict garage in St Julian’s after he was kicked out of his previous residence because he did not pay the rent. 

A fresh arrest warrant was issued in his regard and the man, who proved difficult to trace, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.

Taking the witness stand, the man said that in the previous court hearing he had only understood half of what had been said and had not fully grasped the bail conditions.

Asked by presiding magistrate Charmaine Galea whether he had brought this to the knowledge of the previous court, the man insisted he was not aware of legal procedure and had difficulty understanding his bail conditions.

At the start of Wednesday’s hearing, the man said he understood English and did not request an interpreter.

After hearing submissions by both the prosecution and the defence, the court declared him guilty and condemned him to four-months in jail. It also ordered the confiscation of his €10,000 bail guarantee.

The accused gave notice of appeal.

Inspector Matthew Spagnol prosecuted. Lawyer Josette Sultana was legal aid counsel.